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July 2017

In addition to chatting with Musikfest rookies to get their thoughts on performing for the first time at the nation’s largest free outdoor music festival, we also wanted to catch up with those who have been there — whether as attendees, performers, or both.

Nick Capozzolo, bassist for Nazareth-based harmonic soul band, The Moondogs, has performed three times at previous Musikfests, and was one of the first to offer his thoughts on what the experience means to him.

Before taking the plunge into full Musikfest mode, we had one final stop on the road to the nation’s largest free outdoor music festival — and that stop took us to American Spirits Roadhouse in Asbury, NJ for a show that was months in the making.

In addition to old favorites who perform at Musikfest every year, the festival boasts a healthy offering of first-time performers each year. Whether they are local, or they come to us from afar, ‘Festgoers have a guaranteed opportunity to discover something new for ten days in August in downtown Bethlehem.

We reached out to a few ‘Fest rookies to get their thoughts on their upcoming debut at the nation’s largest free outdoor music festival. They are…

Neil Grover, local singer-songwriter, performing Wednesday, August 9 at 7 p.m. at Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz, and Thursday, August 10 at 8 p.m. at Yuengling Lagerplatz (amid the Festplatz site).

Kara Hartzell, singer-songwriter and bassist for Alex Mery & The Townsmen, performing at Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works on Friday, August 4 at 9 p.m. (unofficial Musikfest performance); Wednesday, August 9 at 9 p.m. at Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz (w/ Alex Mery & The Townsmen); and Thursday, August 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Provident Bank Main Street Stage.

Zach Russack, Hackettstown, NJ-based singer-songwriter, performing a full-band set Thursday, August 10 at 3:30 p.m. on the Provident Bank Main Street Stage, and a solo set at Red Stag Pub Liederplatz on Sunday, August 13 at 2 p.m.

This year, Musikfest will feature a dash of laughter at the Charles A. Brown Ice House, as it teams up with Lehigh Valley with Love on the first official Lehigh Valley with Love Comedyplatz. The two-day showcase, taking place on August 11-12, will give 30 comics from New York, Philadelphia, and the Greater Lehigh Valley the opportunity to showcase their material at the historic venue.

Lehigh Valley Underground sat down with George Wacker, Lehigh Valley with Love founder; Ryan Hill, ArtsQuest programming director; and comedian Tyler Rothrock for a look at what’s in store, both now and in the future.

After a year and a half, we’re still finding new places to go to enjoy live music throughout the Valley. Thursday night took us to a cool spot in South Bethlehem that we’ve been meaning to check out, and we had the opportunity thanks to our friends at Tape Swap Radio.

In addition to being a locally-coveted performance opportunity in the Lehigh Valley, Musikfest has grown to appeal to bands from outside our region – including those across the country and around the world.